Home   Stamford   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Calling all pet lovers: Is this the oldest cat in Rutland or can your pet top Henrietta's 26 years?




This friendly feline has reached the grand old age of 26, prompting her owners to ask whether she's the oldest cat in Rutland.

Henrietta arrived in the county in 2006.

She had suffered an accident and couldn't return home so the pet charity PDSA was looking for a new owner.

Jean Bell jumped at the chance and cared for the champagne-blonde beauty at her home in Oakham until last summer when she moved to Oak House in Greetham.

A family friend stepped up and Henrietta is spending her twilight years with Carol Auton in Oakham.

She said: "She's an old girl but quite agile. She follows me around the house and can still jump onto the chairs and table when she wants to."

Neither Jean or Carol know what the secret is to Henrietta's longevity is, claiming she has a normal diet and lifestyle.

Jean, who lives at Oak House in Greetham, said: “She’s a lovely cat and still going strong.

“She is blind in one eye and her ears aren’t very good. She's had more than her nine lives and I think she’ll go on forever.”

The oldest cat in history was an American feline called Creme Puff who was born on August 3, 1967 and lived until August 6, 2005 - an amazing 38 years and three days.

The RSPCA says the average lifespan of a cat is 14 years old. Keeping in shape is important as every kilogram of excess weight reduces its life expectancy by six months.

Veterinary nurse Tracey Plant, of Rutland Veterinary Centre, said: “Twenty-six is a fantastic age for a cat. The oldest I have ever come across is 24 but around 14 to 18 is average.

“A lot of the time it’s down to genetics and a good diet can help too but a lot of the time it’s probably just luck.”

Is Henrietta the oldest cat in the county or does your pet beat her 26 years? Let us know at smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More